A bill to require full disclosure of adoption fees
is one step closer to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 1029,
by Sen. Steve
Russell, was given final approval by the State Senate on Wednesday.

“I want to thank my fellow members for their support. Each
time this bill has been considered by the Senate it has gotten
unanimous approval,” said Russell, R-Oklahoma City. “I
believe all of us want to do what we can to improve the adoption
process in our state and help more children find loving, adoptive
parents.”

A 2006 Grand Jury found instances of financial exploitation of
Oklahomans seeking private adoptions. Russell said SB 1029 would
improve the process by ensuring full disclosure of all fees, as
well as ensuring full explanation of all state laws dealing with
adoption, including regulations impacting the adoption of Native
American children.

“It’s certainly reasonable to pay for legal fees and
medical cost directly associated with the adoption, but prospective
parents should not be billed for cars, television sets, or other
luxury items,” Russell said. “By requiring a complete
accounting of what parents are being billed for, we can stop that
sort of exploitation and as a result, it will likely bring down
the cost of such adoptions.”

SB 1029 now returns to the House of Representatives for final
consideration.For more information contact:
Sen. Russell's Office - 405-521-5618